Will old growth forests outlast climate change?
Predicted climate change may well prove more damaging to the old forests of the world than present day threats. An expected 2 degree C rise in global temperatures by the year 2100 will have enormous implications for at least 33% of the world's forests - they will not survive as they are today. In the northern hemisphere's boreal forests it is estimated that 65% of forests will be affected. Dr Miko Kirschbaum, a co-author of the forestry chapter in the recent Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change's Second Assessment Report, says 'The main point that came out is that forests are very sensitive to climate'.
Dr Miko Kirschbaum (06) 281 8252

Will that timber last in the ground?
The results of 28 year old field tests and accelerated testing will be published at the 25th Forest Products Research Conference in November in the form of revised durability ratings for untreated timbers. If you want to use timber in the ground for posts, poles or fencing these ratings are essential.
Dr John Thornton (03) 9542 2371

Other stories

• Researchers in pine plantations improve sustainability by minimising losses of nutrients and improving uptake of fertiliser by careful management
• Cooperation with Japanese researchers on a project to produce new adhesives from wood and bark could result in new non-aldehyde adhesives for use in the industry. The new adhesives will eliminate the risks of potentially hazardous releases of formaldehyde from commonly used reconstituted wood products

For more information and a copy of Onwood contact Mick Crowe tel. 06 281 8357 or fax 06 281 8312.